Internet privacy, also known as online privacy, refers to the safeguarding of personal and sensitive information that is shared or transmitted during internet usage. It is increasingly viewed as a fundamental human right and an important aspect of digital citizenship. Internet privacy enables individuals to defend against threats like data breaches, identity theft, and mass surveillance by limiting the amount of personal information that is accessible.
The vast majority of people who use the internet have some level of concern for internet privacy. This may be reflected in their use of privacy-focused search engines (like DuckDuckGo), email providers that offer end-to-end encryption, and a variety of other tools designed to protect internet privacy. Individuals who are concerned about privacy may also take steps to ensure that they do not have their personal information tracked or sold to third parties, such as by using Virtual Private Networks and other anonymity tools.
The concept of internet privacy has become more relevant than ever in the age of big data and the digitalization of society. The information that we share online — including our financial information, where we go, what we buy, and who we talk to — is now often easily accessible to anyone with the means and motivation to do so. This can lead to real-world problems, such as doxing, stalking, and even extortion. It can also make us more vulnerable to the types of online threats that are now commonplace, such as identity theft and fraud.